Football Season Guide

County narrowly avoided relegation last season in a difficult campaign. Inexperienced coach Kettlewell got off to a poor start and replacement John Hughes turned things round during the final run in. Forwards were poor throughout, with County struggling to find goals from a consistent source. Meanwhile, defence was often error prone. Close season has been less than stable. Manager Hughes was a surprise departure and was replaced with Malky McKay, who has been out of club football several years following an off-pitch scandal. Then pre-season preparations were disrupted by positive COVID tests, meaning they forfeited their opening 2 league cup games. Squad has thinned considerably over close season, with plenty of squad players and deadwood going out of the door. Arrivals have been fairly limited and include David Cancola, a player signed on a pre-contract under Hughes’ reign. But loan signings from English Prem clubs could offer a big boost. Improving up front will be vital to a good campaign, but County still lack a proven goal scorer and have little chance of acquiring one before the season begins. Despite some pushback against his appointment, McKay is an experienced manager, and should have the ability to marshal his squad well. But anything other than avoiding relegation would be seen as a major positive, with strong clubs coming up from the league below.